Most durable scope base

[onegunred]

In the very near future I am going to scope a Marlin 1895 and a Marlin 336. The scopes that I will use are decided (almost) but the BASES are my weak point. I want something solid and not sure if aluminum is good enough or if two piece will do. One piece steel maybe, two piece steel ? Don't want to spend more than necessary but will spend enough for the right stuff. Any ideas ? Thanks, Jerry

 

[jmr40]

The aluminum scope tube will break long before even the weakest mounts.

There isn't any real difference between the strength of either. I don't like anything with dovetails, especially the windage adjustable type. Overly complex, difficult to mount correctly and a lot to go wrong. A traditional Weaver base with suitable rings will do just fine. Lots of ring choices but Burris is popular. The old fashioned Weaver rings are as good as any, but don't look as nice as many others.

If it were mine I'd use these

http://swfa.com/DNZ-Game-Reaper-1-Scopemount-P41479.aspx

Simple and foolproof to mount and very rugged. Since the bottom half of the ring is part of the base they are far stronger than most steel mounts.

 

[urbaneruralite]

With the better designs the scope will be trashed before the mount fails. If you want steel and not too expensive, double dovetail mounts are available from Leupold and Burris. I suggest low or super low rings to help with a better cheek weld on a lever action stock.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I've used XS rails and Leupold rings with a Leupold 2.5x scout scope, the quick detach ones and they have worked quite well on my 30-30 which I shoot a lot. The 45-70 SBL has an XS rail on it and i shoot with just the iron sights. I expect the scout scope and rings above would hold up just as well on the 45-70.

 

[dubbleA]

When it comes to scope mounts and durability you also need to look at what is holding the mount on. Over the years I have had the scope and mount shear off the mounting screws either through heavy recoil or dropping the firearm. The standard size screw is a 6-48tpi for sights. I have several rifles than endure be handled roughly and have gone to a 8-40tpi to hold the base(s) on securely. Not saying these are absolutely bullet proof but they definitely a step up from the smaller 6-48.

If weight is not a concern I will always take steel over aluminum on base and rings.

 

[onegunred]

The DNZ Game Reaper does look interesting. Also I need to get this mount/base as far forward as possible so that the scope is faaaarrrr forward, I don't want a case of scope eye. I don't like the over the barrel type system as in the "scout " setup. That is too far forward. Thanks for the replies.

 

[taliv]

i'm not familiar with that rifle at all, but on all of my rifles, i have the gunsmith pin the base onto the action. so in addition to four screws, a blind hole is drilled and a steel pin inserted

 

[AKElroy]

I have a couple of DNZ mounts and like them a lot. They do not look traditional though, so I don't think I could bear mounting them to a pretty 336. A standard weaver rail matched to the receiver looks right at home on that gun, top it with some low Weaver Top-Mount rings. That gloss-blue wide steal band of the Weaver TM's just goes with that gun IMO. A gloss-tube scope helps as well. If you want a steal base instead of aluminum, millet makes a steal weaver rail for the 336. I would save the weight and bulk and go Weaver, though. I have this arrangement holding a Leupold 2x7x33 on my 336 , and it shoots 1MOA even in rapid shooting with a hot barrel, so it holds zero. Also, I would have to run it over to damage this combo from a strength standpoint.

If it is an ugly 336, I would go DNZ. bullet proof design, easy to install, steal vault strong.

 

[onegunred]

My 336 looks rugged with that Western flair, the 2 piece Weaver bases are fine on it. It is my 1895 Marlin 45-70 that has the shine and glamour. It is the rifle that I am most concerned with as far as base, rings and scope. I have a Lyman peep on it now but will have to scope it sometime soon. The Leupold 1 piece seems to locate the scope far enough forward but I do like the DNZ. I am very much into my rifles having that proper look, after all it is a lever action. On my next trip up to ALBU-CRAZY I'll hit a few shops to see what they have. Thanks, Jerry

 

[mjkten]

I think if you want inexpensive, go Weaver base and rings. Nice- weaver bases and Burris Zee rings. Fine- Talley. But making sure your screws and holes are degreased, use one drop of blue Loc-tite, and proper torque on all the screws. Just about any name brand mounting system will be just fine.

 

[Robert]

I have a Leupold one piece base on my 1895G that I put full house loads through and it has held up just fine.